This week, the World Photography Organisation revealed its shortlist for the Open and Youth competitions of the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards – and they’re stunning.
The shortlist has been picked from 326,997 entries from photographers from 195 countries – with the UK offering the highest number of entries.
Included in the line-up are 13 British photographers, 12 in the Open category and one in the Youth category. UK fine art photographers Richard Ansett and Neil Burnell are included in the Open shortlist, alongside professional photographer Sean Hayes and photography enthusiasts Tracey Lund and Shaun Mills.
Emma Last, a 16-year-old Shrewsbury-based student has been shortlisted for her self-portrait entitled ‘Divided’, which she describes as: “the segregation of individuals due to their differences, and shows how their features can see them placed into groups characterised by stereotypes created by society. It aims to highlight how although diversity is increasing, the lack of acceptance of it is culpable for the absence of equality in the world today.”
On being shortlisted, Last said: “I am delighted to have been shortlisted amongst so many talented individuals, and excited to be presented with such an incredible opportunity to share my creativity on a larger scale.”
The 10 Open category winners will be revealed on February 26, while the overall Open and Youth winners will be announced on April 17.
On April 18, an exhibition of the images will go on show at Somerset House in London until May 6.
